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The Preferred Options document (and separate policies map amendments) sets out the overarching vision, strategic priorities, strategic approach and draft policies for the plan area. The document sets out a preferred approach to meet development needs. It is also proposes to revise some other policies in response to changes in national policy and legislation.

The Preferred Options consultation ran from 13 August 2018 to 15 October 2018. During this period, drop in events were held at the following locations:

To support the Preferred Options consultation document, a sustainability appraisal has been produced which assesses the potential environmental, social and economic impacts associated with the draft policies, evaluates their overall performance in terms of sustainability, and suggests ways to reduce the adverse effects and maximise the beneficial effects of these policies. The reasons for selecting the Preferred Options, given the alternatives considered at the Issues and Options stage, are also provided in this report.

Issues and Options Consultation

We consulted on Issues and Options for the review of the Local Plan between 6 February and 3 April 2017. This consultation formed part of the regulation 18 consultation. Responses received during this period have now been processed and a summary of the responses made by organisations and individuals to the consultation has been produced. Comments submitted to the consultation can be viewed in full using our consultation response search. Comments are searchable by chapter and by individual/organisation. You can view responses made on the Issues and Options document and the Sustainability Appraisal.

The next stage is to work towards the production of a "preferred options" document. This will take into account the consultation responses made to the Issues and Options consultation. If you wish to be kept up to date on the progress of the review, please register on our planning policy consultation page.

Review of the Local Plan

In his report on the examination of the local plan, the Inspector indicated that he considered it to be "imperative that an early review is undertaken". The objective of the review is to identify additional housing land capable of meeting housing need to 2036. Through the Local Plan Review the councils will also consider revisions to other policies in response to changes in national policy and legislation.

Many planning issues cross administrative boundaries and are the responsibility of a range of organisations. Cooperation on these issues is required under the 'Duty to Cooperate' and the councils are engaged in strategic planning across a range of issues as part of this duty.

The plan will start to gain some weight as a material planning consideration as it progresses towards adoption. The degree of weight given to each draft policy will vary, depending on whether or not the issue is contentious and to what extent it is consistent with the national planning policy framework.